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Friday, March 1, 2013

Inspiration: Ukulele Ladies

As I mentioned yesterday, I've been learning the ukulele. Part of my intrigue with the instrument comes from 1950s kitsch, no doubt. I love anything that's 50s fad-related (like hula hooping!), and cheap plastic ukuleles were everywhere in the post-war era. I also love any hobby in which the clothes are an integral part of the process. Because, obviously, you have to have a killer dress to play the ukulele, as Marilyn demonstrates above.

There's a cornucopia of amazing "ukulele lady" images to be found online, much of it pornographic (apparently it's easier to play a uke while topless? I'll have to try it sometime). I'l refrain from anything too saucy, but I do love a ukulele pin-up! How awesome are these ones from Gil Elvgren?

Here's one of Bettie Page, wearing what looks to be an original Warner's merry widow.

And while not 50s, the fabulous Bette Midler is certainly kitschy. Gotta love her pink pineapple uke--it has rhinestones, of course.

If you cast your search way back, you'll find some very cool 20s and 30s images, like this one of a Ziegfield Follies chorus girl.

I should probably start thinking about my ukulele outfit now, just in case I ever play in public. (I'm thinking about incorporating the uke into book talks and signings, so I'm guaranteed a captive audience.) I think I would need to be wearing fringe, right?

I'm sure in the pretitles sequence of thoughrouly modern millie there's a girl playing a uke.Maybe you should learn he played his ukelele as the ship went down?Or maybe 'honalulu' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN3aETNaThIlove the words. "I bought myself a ukelale..I practice on it daily..."

I love that Joan Holloway's accordion dress could fill in for a ukulele dress too. I think your new Butterick blouse would be a great foundation for a casual ukulele look. And a beatnik look would be adorable as well.

A local swing/pop group called She Hates Me is opening for the Philadelphia Ukulele Orchestra on Saturday. As an aside, She Hates Me provided the reception music for our wedding and are AWESOME! (Although for the occasion, we made them momentarily change their names to She Loves Me.)

This is so funny! I am just learning to play ukulele. . I live with a professional musician and using his -I travel frequently to Hawaii for work so I love it - I am just learning "over the rainbow" (easy). So, I love the post, Gertie - and sorry I missed you during your recent visit to Los Angeles. ..

When I asked my mom for a sewing book for Xmas, she picked yours out of the ones I suggested. And this post is so funny bc now I know why -- :) -- my dad wanted her to learn tennis for years and she finally agreed when she realized she could make cute outfits to play in. So she would def agree that hobby choice follows clothes :)

Oh, I agree with Laura - your new butterick pants and top would be so, so cute accessorized with a ukulele! I'm glad you're enjoying your ukulele. I play guitar and I don't know what I would do without it!

Ukulele is so much fun!!! I loved seeing these photos and wonder what you will wear. I have played in public only a couple of times (a long time ago) and sadly that was before I started wearing vintage/retro/thrift and so on, so I ended up in a Bob Dylan inspired outfit!!!!!!

Well with the ukulele craze happening here I had to go and youtube a bit ! It's a amazing what you can do with such a small instrument ! I know this is not 50's music but as an example of it's versatility......one of my fave pieces http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlQp8cx2i5A Have fun Miss Gertie !

Do you remember your post 07 Dec 2012? If you had a website with construction details of projects from your book(s), patterns and other commercial ventures then you could keep everyone happy and keep your blog just as your blog.

I got a uke last year got very excited but then stopped. This year we have the first Ukulele workshops here in my town, and I am really enjoying playing in a group and feel much more motivated (the bonus is I can't really hear myself too much!). I have relatively weak weedy fingers and the guitar was just too much for me, the uke is much easier to play AND as you say it has huge kitsch potential, what's not to love? I wonder if I can hula hoop and play uke a the same time, now that would be a turn.

Who knew the ukulele was so sexy? I agree, you MUST design a dress specifically for ukulele playing. Searching for the fabric might be the most fun part! Or, how about designing your own special sexy ukulele fabric? I love your blog and like life, it's not all about the sewing.

Sibylline is an amazing French artist I think you'd love, here's a picture she drew of Marilyn in Some Like It Hot http://sibyllinesketchblog.tumblr.com/post/24740051931/bad-quality-but-heres-my-marilyn-now-drawing